AAA Director Awarded National Violence Prevention Award
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 30, 2021
Congratulations, Bettye Mitchell, Director of the Area Agency on Aging
The East Texas Council of Governments is pleased to announce the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence(NPEIV) has selected our Director of the Area Agency on Aging, Bettye Mitchell, to receive the Paul Fink Interpersonal Violence Prevention Award.
Each year, the NPEIV seeks to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to our understanding of how multiple forms of violence are related and the importance of addressing them through developing and implementing an integrated violence prevention approach. Bettye is recognized as one of those who influence positive change in the field of interpersonal violence prevention.
This award was named to honor the work of the late Paul Fink, a longtime Clinical Psychiatry News Columnist, and Editorial Adviser, and a key leader in the field of psychiatry, working to prevent child abuse and trauma.
"Bettye has done an outstanding job leading our Aging team since her arrival here at ETCOG. She selflessly gives her time to the aging community and continues her advocacy as a voice for seniors in our area. I am glad to see NPEIV agrees with what we have known for quite some time: Bettye is one of the very best leaders in the entire nation. We are blessed to have her here in East Texas!" said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.
Bettye has championed the plight of vulnerable communities for over 40 years throughout her career and personal advocacy efforts. She began her career with the Texas Department of Human Services, transferring to one of the first Adult Protective Services units in the early 1980s and becoming the Regional Director of the Austin Region. Bettye also served as Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the Department of Human Services.
Bettye joined ETCOG in April 2012 and has continued to find ways to improve the lives of persons growing older and with disabilities.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
